Hawai’i Island police arrested 35-year-old Joseph Diego Soares following an hours-long armed standoff in the Aloha Estates Subdivision in Puna.
Yesterday afternoon, officers conducting a Puna district warrant sweep were in the Kopua Farm Lots area when they observed a vehicle known to be operated by Soares. Officers had information that he had two outstanding warrants, was known to be armed and dangerous, and had just received information that he was experiencing suicidal ideations. As officers attempted to initiate contact with Soares, he immediately fled the area.
Officers continued attempting to contact him and were able to maintain visual of his vehicle as it drove towards the Eden Roc Subdivision, then into Fern Forrest, when the vehicle appeared to begin experiencing mechanical issues. During this time, officers also observed Soares reach his arm out of the vehicle and fire a pistol. The vehicle subsequently crossed Highway 11 and became fully disabled in the area of Highway 11 and Mauna Loa Road, at the bottom of the Aloha Estates Subdivision. At that point Soares exited the vehicle, placed a pistol up against his head, and began running up Mauna Loa Road. Officers continued pursuing Soares on foot, up Mauna Loa Road for over a mile to the area of Wainani Street, as he kept the pistol pressed against his head.
HPD Special Response Crisis Negotiation Team members verbally engaged with Soares in attempts to peacefully resolve the situation. He was later taken into custody and arrested for his two outstanding Circuit Court warrants, reckless endangering, and various firearms offenses.
Out of an abundance of caution, several residents in the Aloha Estates Subdivision were evacuated until police were able to render the area safe. There were no reported injuries as a result of this incident.
Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel responded to the scene and are continuing this investigation. Search warrants are being drafted for the vehicle Soares was operating, as well as a bag on his person.
Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this case to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Paul Mangus at (808) 961-2383 or via email at paul.mangus@hawaiicounty.gov.
HPD Photo